O’Gara ‘humbled’ to be inducted into World Rugby’s hall of fame
RONAN O’GARA admitted that he was “humbled” to be inducted into World Rugby’s hall of fame, as the legendary former out-half became the 12th Irishman to receive the honour.
The 41-year-old took time out from his busy coaching schedule with the Crusaders to attend yesterday’s ceremony in Rugby.
The Cork native won 128 caps for Ireland across his 13-year career and he remains Ireland’s record points scorer with 1,083.
“It’s pretty spectacular, it’s hugely humbling to get this honour,” O’Gara said.
“To end up here, it’s a great day for me and my family, but also you think of your primary school, secondary school, Munster, Ireland, British and Irish Lions, Racing, Crusaders, a lot of people have helped me get here.
“I’m smart enough to realise
I play a team sport and it’s an awesome pack of forwards that made me look good, so I will be thinking about those boys today and especially one or two guys who aren’t still with us.
“Rugby has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with and get the best out of brilliant people.
“Playing in the number 10 role, someone like Michael Lynagh was probably the world-class model I looked at, and Ralph Keyes at my own club.
“They were the people that inspired you and I think the longer you’re in it, your ambitions become bigger and you don’t know where to stop.”
O’Gara joins fellow ex-Ireland internationals Brian O’Driscoll, Keith Wood, Willie-John McBride, Basil Maclear, Fergus Slattery, Tom Kiernan, Ronnie Dawson, Mike Gibson, Syd Millar, Tony O’Reilly and Jack Kyle in the prestigious club.
Finest
The finest moment of O’Gara’s international career arrived at the Millennium Stadium in 2009, when his last-gasp drop goal sealed the Grand Slam.
“There were 63 years where Ireland hadn’t won a Grand Slam until 2009, but just look at the national team now,” he added.
“I think we can do things if we connect. The 10 is a focal point but you don’t do it without great people.
“The drop-goal was amazing for my mum and dad, obviously, but it’s amazing – for the first 10 years of your career, you might do one or two, whereas at the end I was doing one every second game! I’m not boasting, it’s just something you love.”